HORSHAM residents had the opportunity to discuss pertinent youth issues alongside thousands of other young people at an annual conference in Melbourne. Horsham’s Empire Youth group took about 50 people to the city for the Planetshakers event last week. Participants heard from Australian, American and South African guest speakers about topics including identity, belonging, believing in yourself, and overcoming addictions and anxiety. Empire Youth Horsham youth pastor Greg McKinnon said the four-day conference aimed to encourage and empower young people to live life to the fullest. “It reminds every single person that there is a place where they belong and that God created them to be who they are, and that God loves them no matter what,” he said. “There were over 15,000 young people in attendance each night. “The youth loved every minute and got so much out of the world-class speakers.” Empire Youth Horsham is the Harvest Christian Church Horsham’s high school ministry. Mr McKinnon said the group aim was to give young people a community where they felt they belonged and could be themselves, while learning about Jesus Christ.